F1 fans think Toto Wolff just sent a ‘sublime message’ to Max Verstappen with Mercedes change for British Grand Prix

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Max Verstappen has been bombarded by questions about his talks with Mercedes at the British Grand Prix.

It was confirmed by Toto Wolff and George Russell at the Austrian GP that Mercedes are in talks with Verstappen behind the scenes. The Silver Arrows have been linked with the Red Bull driver for some time, but now it seems they are serious about making a move.

Verstappen has a contract until 2028 at Red Bull, but he does have a get-out clause that he can activate if he is not in the top two of the championship. The four-time champion’s DNF at the Austrian GP has put him 61 points behind Oscar Piastri.

The Dutchman is growing increasingly frustrated at Red Bull as he sees no improvements from the team’s upgrades and the technical department. It has even been reported that Verstappen wants to see Christian Horner’s power reduced at the team.

Verstappen could be ‘using’ the Mercedes rumours as leverage for a restructuring at Red Bull. The speculation has only grown stronger with what Mercedes have done for the British Grand Prix.

F1 fans think Toto Wolff sent a ‘sublime message’ to Max Verstappen as Mercedes sport orange stars at the British GP

The Brackley-based outfit will sport a new look at Silverstone this weekend, with Williams, McLaren and Racing Bulls also running special liveries. But Mercedes’ design has caused the most debate, as the W16 will sport orange stars on the back of the car.

The Mercedes AMG safety car is also sporting a new orange colour. While there may not be too much in it, F1 fans could not help but notice the timing with the Verstappen rumours; they think the connection with the Dutchman’s ‘orange army’ is a sign that he is on the move to Brackley.

Several fans reacted to the livery on X (formerly Twitter) as speculation swirls about the Dutchman. One fan wrote: “He is going there. They are already making him cars.”

Many fans felt Wolff was playing a brilliant game with Red Bull amid the rumours, as one user said: “Toto’s trolling big time,” while another echoed: “Toto is living rent-free in Christian’s head.” Another fan saw it as a: “Sublime message.”

One fan pointed out the colour change with the safety car as they wrote: “Not just the Mercedes F1 Race car but also the Mercedes safety Car is also going full on MAX Verstappen hype to Mercedes next year.”

Another user commented via Reddit about a possible announcement: “Imagine if this is how they announce it for real.”

READ MORE: Red Bull driver Max Verstappen’s life outside F1 from net worth to girlfriend

When could Max Verstappen join Mercedes?

Talks are starting to advance between the Silver Arrows and the Dutchman. Verstappen made first contact with Mercedes for a chat about the future; he seems serious about considering his options.

Verstappen has reportedly ‘said yes’ to Mercedes and a proposal from Wolff. It is not clear when that deal will go through, with it needing approval from the team’s board.

Verstappen may not want to move in 2026, as it would be risky to switch teams without seeing the pecking order under the new regulations. Mercedes are tipped to have the fastest engine, but that is mere speculation until the cars hit the track.

Wolff is ‘open to the idea’ of Verstappen joining in 2028 and waiting for his Red Bull contract to expire. The Austrian has stated he likes his line-up of Russell and Antonelli, but he is yet to tie them down beyond 2025.